James and his brothers all attended Inch School under the
Church Society, John McGlinnen, Master. James went on to attend Belfast
Institution, living with his uncle James RITCHIE at Seaview Cottage, Antrim
Road, Belfast, and later Queens College, Belfast, graduating in practical
anatomy and physiology in 1865. On 1 Apr 1867 he received a commission as
Assistant Surgeon in the Military Service, India and was assigned to the Madras
9th Presidency where he rose to the rank of Surgeon Major.